Oh, the joy of making royal icing Thanksgiving cookies! There’s something truly magical about gathering in the kitchen with family, rolling out dough, and cutting out the most adorable shapes. As the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air, it just brings everyone together—like a warm hug on a cool autumn day. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the kids get excited about decorating their own cookies with colorful icing. It’s a wonderful way to spark creativity and share laughter. Plus, these cookies aren’t just beautiful; they’re delicious, too! So, let’s dive into this festive tradition that’s sure to make your Thanksgiving celebration even sweeter.
Ingredients for Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional, for festive designs)
How to Prepare Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden! While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures your cookies will have the right texture—trust me, it makes a difference!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, in a separate bowl, it’s time to cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. I usually use a hand mixer for this, but a whisk works if you’re feeling adventurous! You want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s like a little workout, but the result is so worth it!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, let’s add in the good stuff! Crack in 1 large egg and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into your butter-sugar mixture. Mix it all together until it’s well combined. You’ll love the aroma; it’s the essence of homemade goodness!
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now comes the satisfying part! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently after each addition until everything is combined. Don’t overmix; just mix until no flour streaks are visible. You want the dough to be cohesive and slightly sticky—perfect for rolling out!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Time to roll out the dough! Lightly flour your countertop, then take the dough and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes—think turkeys, pumpkins, and leaves! As you cut them out, place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This part is so much fun, especially when you get the kids involved!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Pop those trays into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If you touch them gently and they spring back, they’re ready! Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Step 7: Prepare Royal Icing
While your cookies cool, let’s whip up some royal icing! In a mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of meringue powder, and 5 tablespoons of water. Beat this mixture until it reaches a smooth, glossy consistency. If you want to add some color, divide the icing into separate bowls and mix in food coloring. This is where you can let your creativity shine!
Step 8: Decorate and Dry
Now for the best part—decorating! Using a piping bag or a simple plastic bag with the corner snipped off, pipe your royal icing onto the cooled cookies. Whether you go for intricate designs or simple outlines, it’s all about having fun! Just remember to let the icing dry completely—this can take at least 24 hours, but it’s so worth the wait for those gorgeous cookies!
Tips for Success with Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
Creating the perfect royal icing Thanksgiving cookies can be a delightful adventure, and I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you along the way! First off, when it comes to rolling out your dough, don’t forget to keep your work surface lightly floured. This prevents sticking and makes it so much easier to transfer your cookie shapes to the baking sheet.
Now, about that royal icing—it can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry! Aim for a consistency that’s thick enough to hold its shape but still pipeable. If it’s too runny, just add a little more powdered sugar. And if it’s too thick, a splash of water will do the trick. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
When it comes to decorating, using a piping bag gives you more control, and it’s a lot of fun! If you don’t have one, a zip-top plastic bag works just as well—just snip off a tiny corner and you’re good to go! For those intricate designs, try using a toothpick to help guide the icing into the shapes you want.
As for storage, make sure your cookies are completely dry before stacking them up! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you have any leftover decorated cookies, they also freeze beautifully—just be sure to layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
With these tips, you’re all set to create beautiful and delicious royal icing Thanksgiving cookies that will impress everyone at your gathering!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful royal icing Thanksgiving cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re getting! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used and can vary depending on specific brands or measurements. But don’t worry, with these cookies, you’re treating yourself to a bit of sweetness that’s perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving!
FAQ about Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies
What consistency should my royal icing be?
You want your royal icing to be thick enough to hold its shape but still pipeable. A good test is to draw a line in the icing; if it holds its shape but still settles back into a smooth surface after a few seconds, you’ve got it just right!
How do I store my decorated cookies?
Make sure the icing is completely dry before storing your cookies. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you have extras, you can freeze them, but remember to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use regular egg whites instead of meringue powder?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to use fresh egg whites, just make sure they’re pasteurized for safety. About two egg whites should replace the meringue powder in the icing recipe.
What if my icing is too runny?
If your icing turns out too runny, don’t panic! Just add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Stir gently to avoid incorporating too much air.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
How long does the icing take to dry?
For the best results, allow your royal icing to dry completely for at least 24 hours before stacking or storing the cookies. This ensures that the icing sets properly and won’t smudge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive: These royal icing Thanksgiving cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season with colorful designs that bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- Fun to Decorate: Decorating these cookies is an enjoyable activity for all ages, allowing everyone to express their creativity with icing and fun toppings.
- Great for Family Activities: Making these cookies together creates wonderful family memories, from rolling out the dough to adding those finishing touches!
- Delicious: Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but these cookies are also soft and sweet, making them a delightful treat for your Thanksgiving gathering.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your beautiful royal icing Thanksgiving cookies are all decorated and ready to go, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty! First, ensure that the icing has completely dried—this is so important to prevent any smudging or sticking. I like to let them dry for at least 24 hours before handling them.
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can layer them with parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday festivities!
If you happen to have any cookies left over (which is rare, but it happens!), you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they’re fully dry, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No reheating needed—just delicious, sweet cookies ready to brighten your day!
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Royal Icing Thanksgiving Cookies: 8 Tips for Sweet Success
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious royal icing thanksgiving cookies decorated with festive designs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla to the butter mixture, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll out the dough and cut shapes using cookie cutters.
- Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water to make royal icing.
- Divide icing and tint with food coloring if desired.
- Decorate cookies with royal icing and let dry completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Allow icing to dry for at least 24 hours.
- Use a piping bag for detailed designs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: royal icing thanksgiving cookies
